Okc

A day after Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade appeared frustrated because of his fourth-quarter touches, coach Erik Spoelstra said that was the least of the worries in Sunday's loss. Wade had no field goal attempts in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It came after he scored 22 points the previous three quarters, with Wade helping the Heat keep things close in the third. Wade twice declined comment after the game on the lack of fourth-quarter touches, but Spoelstra on Monday said it had nothing to do with the Heat's performance.

January 31, 2014 Q: The Oklahoma City Thunder are being commended for going small against the Miami Heat. Everything changed for the Thunder once they benched Kendrick Perkins. Erik Spoelstra's next move should have been to bring Greg Oden in and go big to force the Thunder to bring Perkins back. Also, going big allows for easy scores inside or foul shots, which breaks the other team's momentum -- Stuart. A: I disagree, on several levels. First, the last thing you want to do is put Oden, at this stage of his comeback, in position to fail.

Another national-television statement by the Heat, another opportunity for TNT's crew of Charles & Co. to wax on LeBron & Co. A few of their takes: Barkley on LeBron James: "Nobody can guard him out on the perimeter. Now he's going to the basket. He's in full bloom. I always tell people when you're between 25 and 32 is when you're at your peak. when your mental and physical come together. " Kenny Smith, on whether LeBron can get better: "Defensively is where he can probably improve the most.

First, it was being the catalyst in the Heat team photograph showing support for Trayvon Martin's family. Now, Miami Heat forward LeBron James impressed with another feel-good moment. On Sunday, The Oklahoman reported James' nice gesture when the team stopped to refuel on the way to Portland three weeks ago. The newspaper, quoting an airport worker, said James urged the Heat players to take photos and sign autographs for military personnel. They, too, had stopped to refuel a dozen helicopters, according to the article.

January 31, 2014 Q: The Oklahoma City Thunder are being commended for going small against the Miami Heat. Everything changed for the Thunder once they benched Kendrick Perkins. Erik Spoelstra's next move should have been to bring Greg Oden in and go big to force the Thunder to bring Perkins back. Also, going big allows for easy scores inside or foul shots, which breaks the other team's momentum -- Stuart. A: I disagree, on several levels. First, the last thing you want to do is put Oden, at this stage of his comeback, in position to fail.

Sure, it could be the NBA version of First Baby Syndrome, but something is going on in Oklahoma City that leads to one of two inescapable scenarios: Either the Hornets remain there or someone else relocates there. The mayor of Oklahoma City, Mick Cornett, said in a telephone interview this past week, "I'm hearing there's a decent chance the team will be here for another year." The NBA sees Oklahoma City, for now anyway, as the interim home of the Hornets. In a chat on ESPN.com this past week, Commissioner David Stern said, the Hornets "are indeed doing great in OKC. But as far as we're concerned, it's an interim, temporary home."

With the All-Star ballot box to close in less than two weeks, Chris Bosh may have to turn to conference coaches for his invitation. Somewhat inexplicably, Bosh continues to run behind Kevin Garnett for the third and final frontcourt starting spot in the Eastern Conference, with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony the clear front-runners. Dwyane Wade holds a sizeable lead among Eastern Conference guards. Balloting closes Jan. 14, with starters to be announced Jan. 17. Conference coaches then will select the seven reserves on each team for the Feb. 17 All-Star Game in Houston.

With the All-Star ballot box to close in less than two weeks, Chris Bosh may have to turn to conference coaches for his invitation. Somewhat inexplicably, Bosh continues to run behind Kevin Garnett for the third and final frontcourt starting spot in the Eastern Conference, with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony the clear front-runners. Dwyane Wade holds a sizeable lead among Eastern Conference guards. Balloting closes Jan. 14, with starters to be announced Jan. 17. Conference coaches then will select the seven reserves on each team for the Feb. 17 All-Star Game in Houston.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra insisted his post-game routine was no different following Saturday's victory against the Utah Jazz. Before looking at the final boxscore, he was already preparing for the next opponent. Just like always. "That's normal probably for any head coach," Spoelstra said. "When you're walking around this tunnel, you're already starting to think about the folder that's on your desk. That's no different for this game. " Uh, maybe just a tad different.

What went right for the Heat The Heat weren't that passive jump-shooting team. When this happens, they are usually in trouble. Miami was in attack-mode throughout. It was evident with their points in the paint. What went wrong for the Heat There was not much help for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. The Heat need more from their supporting cast, especially Chris Bosh. James and Wade have proven they can carry the load, but need some assistance. Three stars in the game LeBron James: With the exception of having difficulties guarding Kevin Durant (who doesn't?

What went right for the Heat The Heat weren't that passive jump-shooting team. When this happens, they are usually in trouble. Miami was in attack-mode throughout. It was evident with their points in the paint. What went wrong for the Heat There was not much help for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. The Heat need more from their supporting cast, especially Chris Bosh. James and Wade have proven they can carry the load, but need some assistance. Three stars in the game LeBron James: With the exception of having difficulties guarding Kevin Durant (who doesn't?

Another national-television statement by the Heat, another opportunity for TNT's crew of Charles & Co. to wax on LeBron & Co. A few of their takes: Barkley on LeBron James: "Nobody can guard him out on the perimeter. Now he's going to the basket. He's in full bloom. I always tell people when you're between 25 and 32 is when you're at your peak. when your mental and physical come together. " Kenny Smith, on whether LeBron can get better: "Defensively is where he can probably improve the most.

The conversation a few years ago between Serge Ibaka and his agent Pere Gallego went something like this: Ibaka: "I can be an All-Star just by blocking shots and playing defense?" Gallego: "Yes, you can. " It was that simple. And so began Ibaka's quest to become one of the league's top defenders and shot-blockers. He and Gallego were talking one day about how retired center Dikembe Mutombo became a marquee player because of his defensive skills. "It gave me the motivation," Ibaka said.

Miami Heat forward LeBron James has drawn praise for his ability to defend all five positions. The Oklahoma City Thunder are using a similar strategy in their attempt to play defense against James. With the exception of center, Thunder coach Scott Brooks said it's possible for him to defend James with players at four different positions. "We have some very good defenders and we have guys that can guard multiple positions," Brooks said. "…That's a good luxury to have, and throughout the game we can switch them off on different players.